One important organ in the digestive system is the colon, also called the large intestine. Colon health is a significant part of digestive health.

Some people claim the colon should be cleansed for optimal digestive wellness. However, research proving the effectiveness of cleanses is scant and low in quality.

Still, certain aspects of colon cleansing may be beneficial. It may help issues such as constipation or irregular bowel movements, and there is some evidence that they can also reduce colon cancer risk.

Other colon cleanse claims, such as removal of toxins and parasites, are questionable.

There are a few ways to colon cleanse. You can purchase a colon-cleansing product, or you can even get a colonic irrigation or enema.

Otherwise, you can do simple things to boost or “cleanse” colon health naturally at home.

The following natural colon cleanses can be done cheaply, and they’re also quite safe if done correctly.

Reminder: You don’t need to do colon cleanses every day or even every so often to be healthy, though they may have health benefits when done sporadically.

Water flush

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. People who support a water flush for colon cleansing recommend drinking six to eight glasses of lukewarm water per day.

Since pulp and skins are removed when juicing, juices contain less fiber. Fiber is great for the colon, and smoothies hold a lot more fiber.

You don’t need to fast and drink only juices and smoothies to get any benefit. Just try including more in your diet, such as with a daily juice or smoothie.

More resistant starches

Resistant starches are similar to fiber. They’re also found in plant foods like potatoes, rice, legumes, green bananas, and grains.

These promote a healthy colon by boosting gut microflora. A 2013 review on resistant starches also found they reduce colon cancer risk.

There is a downside, though. Resistant starches are found in carbohydrates. Still, low-carb dieters can choose options that cause fewer blood sugar spikes. These include rice and waxy potatoes.

Including these in the diet, like fiber, can be great for cleansing the colon.

Probiotics

Adding probiotics to the diet is another way to cleanse the colon. This also boosts overall health in many other ways.

You can get more probiotics by taking probiotic supplements. Also, eat lots of probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented foods.

Probiotics introduce good bacteria to the gut with the help of fiber and resistant starches. These curb inflammation and promote regularity — two elements of digestive health related to the colon.

Apple cider vinegar is also considered probiotic and is included in colon cleanses. The enzymes and acids it contains supposedly suppress bad bacteria. Currently, there are no studies on this.

Herbal teas

Trying some herbal teas may assist digestive health via the colon.

Laxative herbs like psyllium, aloe vera, marshmallow root, and slippery elm may help with constipation. Make sure to talk to your doctor and follow directions closely before using these herbs. Also use them sparingly; otherwise, they can be harmful.

Other herbs like ginger,garlic, and cayenne pepper contain antimicrobial phytochemicals. These are thought to suppress bad bacteria. For this reason, they’re included in lots of cleanses, though studies are needed.

Try a cup of one of these herbal teas up to three times a day. Only drink tea once per day for laxative herbal teas.

If any of these symptoms occur, stop your cleanse immediately and see your doctor. These symptoms have the risk of leading to heart failure and digestive damage if the cleanse is continued. An enema or colon cleanse used occasionally poses little risk for a healthy individual. But overuse can quickly lead to chronic constipation or even bowel injury.

Also talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet for colon health. This includes eating significantly more fiber, resistant starches, juices, and smoothies.

Make sure to also be careful when using herbal teas for a colon cleanse. Some herbs can impede or affect certain medications. Laxative herbs can also be harmful if overdone. Overuse of laxatives reduces the body’s ability to move stool and can result in chronic constipation.

If you have a chronic illness, talk to your doctor before doing a natural colon cleanse at home. Colon cleanses aren’t right for everybody.